Maxim Vengerov at the Barbican

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Maxim Vengerov, probably the most lauded violinist on the planet — he is certainly the best paid — cannot be accused of not giving value for money. The Russian’s British comeback after a long break for injury began at the Wigmore Hall last April, followed by a date with the London Symphony Orchestra in December. But this recital, in which Vengerov was partnered by his regular accompanist, Itamar Golan, was the most demanding programme he has presented in London for years.

For at least half of the evening he came up short. Beethoven’s final violin sonata, No 10, is a miracle of